Nearly Two out of Three GI Endoscopes Contaminated with Retained Biopsy Samples

Five years ago the FDA mandated manufacturers to redesign scopes for this very reason. I refused to undergo EGD for this very reason, waiting patiently for invention of single-use scopes.  Now its time for the physicians & hospitals & OP clinics to make the necessary purchase.  Although the out-of-pocket expense will likely increase, it will be well worth the cost in order to prevent transfer of blood borne pathogens and neoplastic tissue.

"FDA clears first fully disposable duodenoscope, eliminating the potential for infections caused by ineffective reprocessing | FDA"

3 hours ago, Distressed said:

Five years ago the FDA mandated manufacturers to redesign scopes for this very reason. I refused to undergo EGD for this very reason, waiting patiently for invention of single-use scopes.  Now its time for the physicians & hospitals & OP clinics to make the necessary purchase.  Although the out-of-pocket expense will likely increase, it will be well worth the cost in order to prevent transfer of blood borne pathogens and neoplastic tissue.

"FDA clears first fully disposable duodenoscope, eliminating the potential for infections caused by ineffective reprocessing | FDA"

I have scheduled both an endoscopy and colonoscopy for the end of the year.  I will be inquiring if they use disposable instruments.  If they don't, I don't see how delaying or canceling the procedure is of much help.  You need to weigh the risks.  You're kind of stuck.  The procedure was a success, biopsies were benign but the resulting infection killed the patient.  

It also makes me wonder if when a biopsy sample is sent to a lab for analysis of potential celiac disease, whos tissue is being evaluated? Yours or the person who was scoped before you?

1 hour ago, trents said:

It also makes me wonder if when a biopsy sample is sent to a lab for analysis of potential celiac disease, whos tissue is being evaluated? Yours or the person who was scoped before you?

That depends.  When a tissue is biopsied it is held by a "pincer" and withdrawn from the scope.  If there is a "washing" then the fluid is aspirated along with any material (fluid or solid material) into a suction trap.  That collection could lead to false diagnostic results. 

HIV, Hepatitis B&C and MRSA are dangerous blood borne pathogens. Cancer cells transferred to a healthy patient are typically not a risk, but celiac disease patients have "immunological" disorders (often multiple problems). 

The disposable scope was approved in 2019, but I have yet to hear of its wide-range use. Facilities are often "resistant" to spending money on these items. I remember one hospital chain used "disposable" intubation scopes.  That was a "safe" move, but no one else perceived of the "risk management".  As it regards EGD/colonoscopy scopes: in 1994 a new washer was patented.  That machine thoroughly cleaned scopes.  Again dollar investment is the issue.  Typically, it is the radiology department that makes the most revenue and is the division that receives most of the upgraded equipment.